Edible packaging  market is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR of 6.9% during the forecast period. The demand for processed food products is increasing due to which manufacturing of edible packaging is also risingGovernment initiatives towards eliminating the use of plastic packaging and to adopt alternative such as edible packaging and advancements in packaging solutions are the crucial factors enhancing the overall market gorwth. Edible packaging helps in reducing waste generated from plastic packaging as this type of packaing can be eaten alonn with food products. This is the major reason attracting maufacturers focus towards use of edible packaging for their food products offering. For instance, in november 2021, Gousto Recipe Box teamed with Xamplato trial, an edible film specifically engineered for a commercial stock (bouillon) cube packaging application in one of Gousto’s meal kits. The application is a world-first edible packaging solution to be made from pea protein. Product is a single layer film, designed for precise application. The edible stock cube packaging is being tested to replace Gousto’s existing stock mix sachets, for a packaging-free stock.

The cost of manufacturing edible packaging is high due to its benefits and increased popularity. In addition, The packaging needs to complete the sanitary requirements while in transit to maintain the hygiene which made the edible packaging costly. Moreover, the edible layers have high chances to catch dirt and germs and other harmful particles, which can infect and spoil the food product. Therefore, to protect the food product the companies have to spend a lot of money due to which the cost of edible packaging increases. High cost of the packaging machines and quality films used in edible packaging restrains the growth of edible packaging market worldwide.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Global Edible Packaging Market

During COVID-19 pandemic production and manufacturing of non-essential products were closed as per the government guidelines and restrictions. The demand for the edible packaging market declined due to unavailability of labor, shut down of manufacturing units, and all the distribution channels were also closed. The government restictions and unavailability of edible packaging decreased the growth of edible packaging market worldwide. 

Segmental Outlook 

The global edible packaging market is segmented based on the material and end-user. Based on the material, the market is segmented into polysaccharides, lipid, protein films, and others. Based on the end-user, the market is sub-segmented into the food & beverage, and pharmaceutical.. Among these, protein films segment is likely to hold significant share in the market during the forecast period..

Global Edible Packaging Market Share by Material, 2021 (%)

The Protein Films Segment is Expected to Hold the Considerable Share in the Global Edible Packaging Market

The Increasing demand for protein films in edible packaging is the key factor driving the segment growth. Protein films is projected to provide profitable growth opportunities in edible packaging market. Protein films reduces the dependency on fossil fuels and materials such as composite films, polysaccharides, lipid, and cellulose- or starch-based materials can provide new functionalities and properties such as biodegradability. Also, protein films can prevent food from biological deterioration, microbial growth, control moisture migration and oxidation of nutrients as they offer barrier to vapors, gasses and oils due to which the demand for protein films in edible packaging, leading to segment growth. In order to keep this is mind, packaging industry players are coming ahead with new product launches. For instance, in july 2021, researchers create new polymer film from plant protein. polymer film is completely made from plant protein which can be sourced as a by-product of the agriculture industry, the resulting material can be consumed in nature after use like any natural waste, leaving no pollutants behind.

Regional Outlooks

The global edible packaging  market is further segmented based on geography including North America (the US, and Canada), Europe (Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and Others), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, and Others), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East &Africa, and Latin America).  The high demand for processed and packed food products from consumers in Asia-Pacific region’s major economies is propelling the market growth. 

Global Edible Packaging Market Growth, by Region 2022-2028

The North America Region is Anticipated Holds the Prominent Share in the Global Edible Packaging Market

The North American region is expected to hold the major market share in global edible packaging market during the forecast period. People are shifting from the use of single-use plastics to edible alternatives to reduce the packaging waste and to save the environment. The increased shift from plastic packaging to edible packaging has increased the growth of edible packaging in North American region. For instance, Xampla, the Cambridge University commercialising the technology, is developing its applications to replace single-use plastics including flexible packaging films, sachets, microcapsules found in home and personal care products, and carrier bags.

Market Players Outlook

The major companies serving the global edible packaging  market include Glanbia Nutritionals Inc, Tate & Lyle PLC, Skipping Rocks Lab, BluWrap, JRF Technology, LLC, and others. The market players are considerably contributing to the market growth by the adoption of various strategies including mergers & acquisitions, collaborations, business expansionand new product launches, to stay competitive in the market. For instance, in April 2020, Evo & Co that has created edible seaweed-based cups as asustainable alternatives to plastic, expanded its business to provide solutions to end plastic pollution by creating campaigns and offering a range of sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic items.

The Report Covers

• Market value data analysis of 2021 and forecast to 2028.
• Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
• Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
• Key companies operating in the global edible packaging  market. Based on the availability of data, information related to new product launches, and relevant news is also available in the report.
• Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.
• Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies.
• Competitive strategies by identifying ‘who-stands-where’ in the market.